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Energy efficiency

Heat loss through windows

Tremendous amounts of heat are lost through windows. Find out how the right windows, thermal curtains and pelmets can make your heating more efficient.

How to measure infiltration and air tightness

Part of establishing how well your home fares in terms of passive design is to establish how 'tight' it is. Learn more about how to test how much air leaks from your home.

Bathtub insulation

Insulation can make a big difference to how long your bathtub is able to retain its heat, and as a result, might also significantly affect your gas or electricity bills.

Recycled wall materials

One of the best ways to save energy is to use recycled materials. Find out about using recycled materials for walls.

Thermal mass and wall insulation

Walls can play a big part in how energy efficient a house is - particularly in terms of how much heat they absorb and release.

Shape, style and orientation

If you live in a climate where the temperature fluctuates significantly between the seasons, positioning of your walls right may play a crucial role in how you heat and cool your home.

Heat dissipation and thermal mass

Dense concrete floors easily absorb a great amount of heat - which is great in some climates, but far from ideal in others. Find out what kinds of floors are suitable for different types of climates, and why.

Underfloor and slab heating

Underfloor heating is a popular heating option for dwellings that experience colder climates. Learn about the different types of underfloor heating available.

Recycled materials in flooring

Consider using recycled materials in your floors for a more environmentally friendly and cost-saving solution. Read on to find out more.

Choosing floors: colours, texture and brightness

The texture and design of your floor can do more than help control heat. To some extent, it'll also determine how effectively daylight is reflected into your home, and reduce your reliance on electric lighting.

Energy ratings and labels for TVs

Because of the vast differences in power consumption between different display technologies, TVs now come with energy star ratings. Learn how to read the labels, and what to look for.

Heat retention and ventilation

Hot air rises - and for that reason, how you manage the area under your roof is vital to your home's climate control efficiency. Find out more about ventilation and controlling heat.

Roof colour and materials

Darker colours absorb heat - and some materials collect and store warmth while others reflect and dissipate it. Find out how to choose the right colours and materials for the best passive heating and cooling.

Eaves and shading

Having your eaves positioned properly will provide shade from harsh sun in summer, and at the same time allow precious sunlight in to warm your home in winter. Read more about how this works.

Energy efficient roofs

Energy efficient roofs

The roof you put on your home plays a very big part in your home's overall efficiency and ability to control heat. Learn more about how roofs affect energy efficiency.

Eaves

Eaves are the lower parts of the roof that project out beyond a house's walls. While not always built into modern houses, they provide crucial shading and protection from the elements.

Alternative energy sources

There's nothing more efficient than using a completely renewable energy source. Find out how things like wind- and solar-generated electricity can help you to improve your energy efficiency.

Energy efficient electrics

Small considerations can make a very big difference when it comes to how energy efficient your electrical systems are. Find out what you can do to increase your home's efficiency.

Demand response and load shedding

Depending on where you live and what electrical hardware you have, your local power authority may be able to control your lighting or appliances to prevent blackouts.

Energy efficiency and doors

Energy efficiency and doors

How much heat your doors retain and how much cold they let in through gaps will determine how energy efficient they are. Find out more about how doors affect efficiency.

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